The 844th Engineer Battalion

The 844th Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy) deployed on Thursday, March 26th from Knoxville. Major Wendy Rodriguez had asked that all Riders and Veterans Service Organizations participate in escorting the deploying Soldiers of the 844th from the area of the deployment ceremony to the McGhee Tyson Air Base.

The East Tennessee Patriot Riders answered the call, providing a flag line at the deployment ceremony, and a motorcycle escort to McGhee Tyson Air Base. The show of support from the public was outstanding. Crowds of people stood in the rain along the route waving flags and cheering as the convoy passed by. Special thanks goes to the Knoxville Police Blue Hawks, who did a splendid job of escorting and blocking traffic for the convoy, to the Red Cross for providing doughnuts and hot beverages, and to the many other patriotic groups and individuals who were on hand to show support to our troops.

The 844th will train in Wisconsin for a few months before reporting for duty in Iraq. May God bless them, and bring them all home safe.